Being involved in a left-turn accident in Orlando, FL, can be an incredibly distressing situation. When you’re facing physical injuries or emotional and financial difficulties – or all of the above – it’s important to work with an Orlando left-turn accident lawyer. Doing so can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve after a car accident.
If you need help in Orlando, Florida, we’re always here for you. Contact Payer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an Orlando left-turn accident attorney.
How Payer Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Accident in Orlando
If you’ve been involved in a left-turn accident in Orlando, FL, our Orlando car accident attorneys are here to help.
Here’s what our Orlando car accident lawyers can do for you:
- We will sit down with you for an initial consultation – free of charge – to discuss your case and see if you have grounds to obtain compensation.
- We will investigate the accident by speaking with witnesses and obtaining important evidence, like accident reports, medical records, and photos or videos of the accident and/or scene.
- We will determine if you have the right to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company or file a lawsuit against the at-fault party or if you have to file with your own insurance company.
- We will negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you need to be able to focus on your recovery.
After an accident in Orlando, Florida, Payer Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Orlando left-turn accident lawyer.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Orlando?
Car accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence in Orlando, providing a sobering look into traffic safety within the city and Orange County, where Orlando is located.
In 2021, there were 54 fatal car accidents in Orlando, FL. There were 26 pedestrians involved in these accidents.
Orange County has the most car accidents per capita in Florida: 18.36 crashes per estimated 1,000 people.
In Orange County in 2022, there were 13,301 non-fatal/non-injury crashes. There were 12,615 injury crashes in 2022 in Orange County. Orange County had 200 fatal crashes in 2022.
The statistics above reiterate how critical it is for drivers and pedestrians in Orlando to practice caution on the roads, as accidents occur with unfortunate regularity.
What Are Left-Turn Accidents?
Left-turn accidents are situations where a collision occurs involving a vehicle making a left turn. These incidents often happen at intersections when the turning driver misjudges the distance or speed of an oncoming car.
Causes of Left-Turn Accidents
Left-turn accidents are commonly caused by a variety of mistakes or negligence by drivers, including:
Failing to Yield
One of the primary causes is the failure of turning drivers to yield correctly. Drivers may incorrectly judge an oncoming vehicle’s speed or distance, turning left in front of them without adequate clearance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction behind the wheel detracts from a driver’s ability to focus on safely executing a turn. This may include texting, adjusting radio controls, or engaging with passengers.
Poor Visibility
Inadequate visibility due to weather conditions or other environmental factors can contribute to left-turn accidents.
Miscommunications
Turn signal misuse or failing to use a signal altogether can lead drivers to make incorrect assumptions about another driver’s intended actions, leading to collisions during turns.
Drivers Running Red Lights
Left-turn accidents can occur when oncoming drivers ignore traffic signals and proceed through red lights. This reckless behavior can result in a vehicle unlawfully entering an intersection as another is making a permitted left turn. This can lead to serious collisions with very little time for either driver to react or avoid the impact.
Left-turn collisions largely stem from errors in judgment or attention, emphasizing the need for vigilance and clear communication among drivers at intersections.
Common Left-Turn Accident Injuries
Left-turn accidents can lead to a range of injuries, commonly including:
- Whiplash
- Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Nerve Damage
Victims of left-turn accidents can sustain serious injuries that have a long-term impact on their health and quality of life.
Liability in Left-Turn Accidents
In Florida, you’re typically required to file with your own insurance company for car accidents unless the incident meets specific criteria regarding severity. If you are permitted to file with the responsible party, it’s essential to understand who might hold liability:
The Left-Turning Driver
Typically, the driver making a left turn who collides with oncoming traffic is presumed to be at fault due to failing in their duty to yield.
The Oncoming Driver
Responsibility could partially or entirely transfer onto an oncoming driver if it’s proven they were engaged in illegal activities such as speeding or driving under the influence – actions that indicate a breach of road safety rules that likely led to an avoidable accident.
Pedestrians or Cyclists
Pedestrians or cyclists may assume some degree of fault for an accident if it’s shown that their unexpected actions on the road were contributory factors leading up to the crash.
Local Government or Municipality
Liability might extend to a local government body in instances where poor roadway maintenance or inadequate signage caused the accident.
Vehicle Manufacturers
In situations where a vehicle defect was key in causing an accident, such as faulty brakes that failed at a critical time, accountability might be on the manufacturer under product liability law.
Third-Party Drivers
When the erratic or negligent behavior of a driver not directly involved in the turn or collision causes another driver to react abruptly – thereby contributing to an accident – that third party can be partly liable.
Employers
Companies can bear liability for their employees through vicarious liability principles if a driver was performing work-related duties while driving when they caused a crash.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Orlando Left-Turn Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a left-turn accident in Orlando, FL, and are dealing with the aftermath, know that you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Our experienced lawyers can help clarify your legal options and fight for your rightful compensation. Contact Payer Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with our Orlando left-turn accident lawyer.
